Big Differences in Decoders? Or just hype?

[Herc Driver]

Hi guys...

Went to a hobby store yesterday and the owner was trying (nicely) to get me to buy a TCS Decoder rather than a Digitrax decoder to go with my Digitrax Zephyr. Now, I'm still very new to the world of decoders, but it started me wondering if there was a big difference between brands. Maybe that particular retailer did more TCS business, I don't really know. But is there a significant difference in decoder brands? I have the Zephyr and thought maybe it was best to stick with the same family of decoders for all my diesels I plan to convert. But do I really need to...or would any other brand due just as well?

[upnick]

Hi Hercdriver,

I use both Digitrax & TCS and would reccomend them, make sure any decoders are NMRA standard and they should work with your Zephyr fine.
TCS have their goof proof warrenty and can be easier to programme over digitrax at times.
The only differences i have ever found in them.

[Herc Driver]

I appreciate the info. I wasn't sure why I was being steered away from the Digitrax, and maybe I was just perceiving the sales pitch as something it wasn't. I didn't think there was too much difference between the decoders, except for a warranty or back EMF wiring improvement. So far I have exactly one experience at installing a decoder (a Digitrax decoder in a Kato AC4400) and it couldn't have been any easier and it worked great. But I know that I'll need to break out the soldering gun if I want to start adding decoders to the non-DCC Ready engines in my roster, so when I get to that point, expect me to be asking for some pointers on how and where to wire the decoders to the engines. Until then, I look forward to more opinions about differences or preferences in decoders.

[upnick]

I appreciate the info. I wasn't sure why I was being steered away from the Digitrax, and maybe I was just perceiving the sales pitch as something it wasn't. I didn't think there was too much difference between the decoders, except for a warranty or back EMF wiring improvement. So far I have exactly one experience at installing a decoder (a Digitrax decoder in a Kato AC4400) and it couldn't have been any easier and it worked great. But I know that I'll need to break out the soldering gun if I want to start adding decoders to the non-DCC Ready engines in my roster, so when I get to that point, expect me to be asking for some pointers on how and where to wire the decoders to the engines. Until then, I look forward to more opinions about differences or preferences in decoders.

Hi Hercdriver,

If you need any info on installs ask away ....... though i do N scale mainly the principles are the same.

[RailCop]

Herc,

Once you understand the decoder wiring you will be surprised at how easy it is to install a decoder in older locos. I have done several, both diesel and steam. It may be a little time consuming but not all that hard to do. Take your time, study the engine, then jump right in.

[Herc Driver]

I appreciate the vote of confidence. My Nscale layout is certainly more enjoyable to run on DCC than before, but I've got quite a few diesels to add decoders to, so it's going to be a long conversion process.

[tetters]

I agree with the decoder wiring advice. Once you figure it out, its pretty much gravy from there on in. I keep some instructions handy, just in case I have a mild brain fart or something.

I've been wondering about the decoder hype too. I got to say there is something to be said about proprietary parts. I use an NCE Power Cab for my layout. I have one NCE decoder and have to say, it seems to "work" better then my Digitrax ones. After mussing around with various settings on both decoder types, the NCE decoder in my switcher seems to have smoother operation and better response compared to the digitrax ones in the GPs. The NCE decoders also allow me to program on the main which means I don't need a programming track, provided all my decoders are NCE ones.

Just my 2 cents worth.

[upnick]

My Nscale layout is certainly more enjoyable to run on DCC than before, but I've got quite a few diesels to add decoders to, so it's going to be a long conversion process.

Hi Hercdriver,

I have done lots of conversions on different diesels both board and hard wired ..... and founf this fitting guide page helpful to keep for reference.

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.trainweb.org/nrmrc/dcc/conversions.html#bachmann">http://www.trainweb.org/nrmrc/dcc/conve ... l#bachmann</a><!-- m -->

Any in particular just shout and i will try to post some pics of the installs.

[Fluesheet]

Hi guys...

Went to a hobby store yesterday and the owner was trying (nicely) to get me to buy a TCS Decoder rather than a Digitrax decoder to go with my Digitrax Zephyr.

Not completely on topic, but I'll throw some Kudos TCS's way - I have an FL4 that I've tried to burn up (big shorts) 2 1/2 times....

And it STILL LIVES!!!

Maybe all decoders are this tough. Don't know. Do know this one is!

Matt

[LynnB]

I only use the digitrax decoders for testing purposes. I like the tcs ans lenz for mobile . And the tsunammis for sound installs.

[Running Bear]

All the Digitrax decoders I use are Z Scale size so I can tuck them in almost anywhere. I found that they work very well for HO Scale equipment. The others are a scatter of Bachmann, Lenz and NCE. I can't say anything for or against on TCS decoders as I don't have any.

[Herc Driver]

All good information - thanks guys!

(I'm waiting for some decoders to arrive...seems like the economic times are hitting everyone including the manufacturers. Almost everything I have on order is at least two months behind the first/second/third promised date.)

I wondered about the decoder differences because of the way the hobby store owner seems to "push" one particular brand. Without an unbiased comparison made by someone who knows what they're doing, it's hard to figure out why to buy one product over another. Every maker says their product is the best of course...but I figured there were those who knew some limitations or installation problems of various brands.

I'm definitely going to ask for some help when I get to the point where I'm modifying a non-dcc ready loco. Thanks again.

[upnick]

I can't say anything for or against on TCS decoders as I don't have any.

Hi Running Bear,

Fitted a TCS M1 decoder into a Kato SD40-2 tonight and it runs sweet only mods where a replacement plasticard board to mount the LED's on apart from that a straightforward Hardwire ....... needs its rails / detail parts adding and another ready

Time for